schansvormingen

Schansvormingen is a type of drainage system commonly used in the Netherlands. The term "schans" is Dutch for "dyke" or "bund", while "vormingen" means "shaping" or "modelling". This technique has been employed for centuries to protect low-lying areas from inundation and to maintain the terrain's stability.

Schansvormingen involves the creation of a system of earthworks and drainage ditches to direct water away from the surrounding land. A schans is constructed on a slope, typically in the form of a bund or a dike, with a depth and width that varies depending on the terrain and the amount of water that needs to be managed. The dyke is then shaped to create a natural-looking terrain and to direct water flow in a controlled manner.

The purpose of schansvormingen is twofold: to provide a barrier against flooding and to shape the terrain in a way that it can be farmed and used for other agricultural activities. This type of drainage system has been employed in various parts of the Netherlands, including the East and West Friesland, as well as in other polder areas.

Schansvormingen is a delicate balance between controlling water flow and maintaining the natural biomass and vegetation that help to counterbalance the effects of flooding. The shape and design of the schans are tailored to the specific needs of the terrain, taking into account factors such as water levels, wind direction, and how the terrain might erode or expand over time.

In general, schansvormingen are low-cost, locally operated solutions that have been tested and refined over centuries to produce beneficial outcomes for agricultural and natural environments.